Method and composition for decreasing water resistance to movement

Abstract

A method and composition for decreasing water resistance to movement by decreasing the surface tension and diminishing the contact angle between an object moving through water, and the water, and/or between water passing over an object and the object, thereby allowing the object to move at an increased speed with the same applied moving force or at the usual speed with less applied moving force. The method is accomplished by applying to the surface of the object which is to be moved through water a thin layer of a nonionic surface active agent which is water insoluble with the agent having a hydrophile-lipophile balance of about 7 to about 9.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of decreasing water resistance to movement by decreasing the surface tension and the contact angle between an object moving in water, and the water, thereby allowing the object to move at an increased speed with the same applied moving force or at the usual speed with less applied moving force, said method comprising, applying to the surface of the object, a coating consisting essentially of a non-ionic surface active agent or mixtures thereof selected from the group consisting of sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters, polyoxyethylene alcohol ethers, polyoxyethylene mannitol dioleate esters, and sorbitan monoleate polyoxyethylene esters of mixed fatty and resin acids, which is water insoluble, said agent having an HLB of from about 7 to about 9, and moving said object through water thereby providing a solid liquid interface. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said agent is applied by spraying application of a mixture comprising said agent, and a liquid propellant. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein said mixture comprises from about 5% to about 20% by weight of said agent, and from about 80% to about 95% by weight of an aerosol liquid propellant. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 3 wherein said mixture comprises from about 9% to about 15% by weight of said surface active agent. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4 wherein said mixture comprises about 10% by weight of said surface active agent. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 2 wherein said propellant is comprised of a pressurized halogenated hydrocarbon. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6 wherein said propellant is a mixture of fluorinated and chlorinated hydrocarbons. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 6 wherein said pressurized hydrocarbon is at a pressure of from about 25 psig to about 40 psig. 
     
     
       9. The method of claim 8 wherein said pressure is from about 37 psig to about 40 psig. 
     
     
       10. The method of claim 3 wherein said liquid propellant comprises 40.5% of monochlorotrifloro methane, 40.5% of dichlorodifloro methane and 9% of isobutane. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 1 wherein the surface active agent is a compound having at least one internal ester or ether linkage group. 
     
     
       12. The process of claim 1 wherein said agent is applied by spraying application of a mixture comprising said agent and a compressed air propellant. 
     
     
       13. A method of decreasing water resistance to movement by decreasing the water surface tension and the contact angle between an object moving in water and the water, thereby allowing the object to move at an increased speed with the same applied moving force or at the usual speed with less applied moving force, said method consisting essentially of applying to the surface of said object a coating consisting essentially of a non-ionic surface active agent or mixtures thereof which is water insoluble, has an HLB of from about 7 to about 9 and moving said object through water thereby providing a solid liquid interface. 
     
     
       14. A method of decreasing water resistance to movement of a swimmer through said water, said method comprising: spraying on the exteriorly exposed body surface of said swimmer a micro thin film of a non-ionic surface active agent, or mixtures thereof, said agent having an HLB of from about 7 to about 9, selected from the group consisting of sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters, polyoxyethylene alcohol ethers, polyoxyethylene mannitol dioleate esters, and sorbitan monoleate polyoxyethylene esters of mixed fatty and resin acids, and thereafter, swimming through said water.   
     
     
       15. A method of decreasing water resistance to movement of a swimmer through said water, said method comprising: spraying on the exteriorly exposed body surface of said swimmer a micro thin film of a non toxic, non-harmful to the skin, non-ionic surface active agent, or mixtures thereof, which is water insoluble and has an HLB of from about 7 to about 9, and thereafter swimming through said water.